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Journey Behind The WallWed, 06 Jun 2018 02:29:10 +0000en-UShourly1https://i1.wp.com/bookerparadox.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/cropped-IMG_6616-2.jpg?fit=32%2C32Booker Paradoxhttp://bookerparadox.com
3232116198698He Said, “Are You A Real Killer?!” … I Laughedhttp://bookerparadox.com/said-real-killer-laughed/
http://bookerparadox.com/said-real-killer-laughed/#respondWed, 06 Jun 2018 02:29:10 +0000http://bookerparadox.com/?p=14087With the wind high, and a mix of dust and pollen lurking around every corner, I was dying from allergies. My eyes were swollen and bloodshot red. Tears constantly flowing, as I couldn't seem to escape the torture ensuing. To make matters worse, you can't obtain affective medicine in prison. Making me SOL. But they [...]

]]>With the wind high, and a mix of dust and pollen lurking around every corner, I was dying from allergies. My eyes were swollen and bloodshot red. Tears constantly flowing, as I couldn’t seem to escape the torture ensuing. To make matters worse, you can’t obtain affective medicine in prison. Making me SOL. But they don’t care, nor should I expect them to. All I knew was that I had to get some solace.

All I needed was a brief moment of comfort, so I could feel normal again. Surprisingly, I found that when walking the compound. For whatever reason, there seemed to be a build up of allergens within the housing unit. Making it unbearable to lay down, write, read or anything else to relax. With all the considered, I headed straight for the yard, where two softball games were being played.

As you can imagine, prison softball games are quite interesting to watch. A bunch of misfits throwing, batting, and occasionally getting hit by the ball. Thus, there are times I like to go out and root for my team. You see, every housing unit has at least one team. Sometimes two. So why wouldn’t you want to bring a victory back to the unit. Its all positive vibes. Or is it?

Above all else, it is still prison. With a lot of pent up anger and hostility. Especially if the inmate referee makes a bad call. Its hilarious to watch. So as a game was underway in front of me, I was chanting loudly and methodically. To shed light on the bad calls, and give good energy for the good plays. While doing so, someone barked in my direction, “Learn the f#cki%g rules before you start yelling!” Obviously, he is one of many who wears their emotions on their sleeves. A short guy, with a tear drop tattoo under his eye, and who was just called out on first base. For his chubby physique couldn’t quite run fast enough.

It was an unmistakable call, but he wanted to place blame and let his aggression out somewhere. Nonetheless, I didn’t entertain his negative vibes, or give in to his lure for comment. I kept on pushin’! Enjoying the game and getting rowdy with everyone else. It was a close game really, and my unit exploded when they hit a homerun with the bases loaded in the last inning of the game. Bringing not only a win for the game, but a win for the entire tournament back to the unit.

The celebration was short lived, as a guard quickly got on the loud speaker and announced a yard recall. Closing the yard for the night, and forcing the entire population back to their respective units. While walking pass the bleachers and towards the track, I felt someone was following me. I quickly looked to my side and saw the chubby short guy I pissed off earlier. Sensing an awkward encounter, I walked a little faster and took a detour towards the handball courts. Just as I stopped to talk to a few guys about the game, I see him again standing just a few feet from me.

“What the hell, I sure can’t shake this guy,” I thought! Finally, they opened the gates and I was provided a moment to get away from this psychotic guy. I never addressed him in my life, nor did I want to. Everyone gets rowdy at the prison softball games, and he knows this, so I don’t know what his problem was. While approaching my unit, I finally caught him riding my heels. Directly behind me. So I say, “Dude, what the hell is your problem?” He replied, ” Oh, I just wanted to see if you are a real killer!?”

In an aggressive, yet questionable manner. Regardless of the validity or intention of his request, I couldn’t help but explode in laughter. It was so bizarre, that I didn’t really know what to say. So I laughed it all the way off. Its a paradox that I live in, and this, is my day to day.

]]>http://bookerparadox.com/said-real-killer-laughed/feed/014087CorrLinks Hot 100 (Hip-Hop), June 2018http://bookerparadox.com/corrlinks-hot-100-hip-hop-june-2018/
http://bookerparadox.com/corrlinks-hot-100-hip-hop-june-2018/#respondSat, 02 Jun 2018 18:39:27 +0000http://bookerparadox.com/?p=14083Whattup Paradoxians! It is a new month, and another published list of the Corrlinks Hot 100 (Hip-Hop) for June 2018. That's right, for those of you who are new, welcome, this a list of the top trending songs in the feds. This list is compiled and based off the top selling singles from the entire [...]

]]>Whattup Paradoxians! It is a new month, and another published list of the Corrlinks Hot 100 (Hip-Hop) for June 2018. That’s right, for those of you who are new, welcome, this a list of the top trending songs in the feds. This list is compiled and based off the top selling singles from the entire federal prison system. If you want to know what are the hot tracks in the feds here are they are. Please show your love by sharing the CorrLinks Hot 100 with friends on facebook and by commenting down below. We want to bring more attention to this monthly list, and show people the top selling songs from behind the wall. Once we pick up some more traction, we will start publishing the lists beyond just hip-hip. So without further ado, I present to you, the hottest tracks in the feds!

Once again, show BookerParadox.Com some love by sharing the CorrLinks Hot 100 on Facebook and Twitter. Tell your favorite Hip-Hop artists that they have been featured and comment down below to let us know how we are doing!

]]>http://bookerparadox.com/corrlinks-hot-100-hip-hop-june-2018/feed/014083While He Sits To Pee, I Waste In Misery: Daily Prison Lifehttp://bookerparadox.com/sits-pee-waste-misery-daily-prison-life/
http://bookerparadox.com/sits-pee-waste-misery-daily-prison-life/#respondSat, 26 May 2018 21:39:35 +0000http://bookerparadox.com/?p=14077I somehow missed my alarm this morning at 5:30am, but luckily was awoken by a group of guards aggressively yelling commands at 6:00am. It was a body check. I guess a brawl had occurred the day before, and now they wanted to conduct body checks to look for bruised knuckles or any other cuts or [...]

]]>I somehow missed my alarm this morning at 5:30am, but luckily was awoken by a group of guards aggressively yelling commands at 6:00am. It was a body check. I guess a brawl had occurred the day before, and now they wanted to conduct body checks to look for bruised knuckles or any other cuts or lacerations. They were looking for the guy or guys who beat the person up.

I guess the average person would be pissed to be awoken abruptly by a group of officers telling them to take off their clothes, especially so early in the morning, but I was thankful for something new. Prison is a blur. Without any days having any significance, the only thing that seems to change is the seasons. Everyday is the same day. Same faces, same scenery, same routine. It is quite torturous. Therefore, just being able to start the day differently was huge and refreshing.

I still find it odd to say that. And as I stare at the words on this page, I can’t help but get lost in the thoughts of my past. Some painful, some joyous, rapidly playing before me. Its almost paralyzing. Look, liberty is so awesome. A perspective I have gained in prison, and one that will never leave me. Do I think serving a decade in prison is a fair price for selling drugs? Of course not! But I am determined to be defined by how I responded to prison, not prison itself.

If the government were to release me today, they would not have to worry about me ever committing a crime again. Not because the BOP (Bureau of Prisons) has rehabilitated me, for that is far from the case, but because I have gained this new perspective of the world and have a great desire to make positive contributions to society. In fact, the way the prison system is set up, it negatively encourages the resocialization of prisoners to not be a part of society.

However, the is nor here or there, and I’ll devote other posts to revealing the sad reality of “corrections.” As for the here and now, I just wanted to devote some of my energy to sharing the daily and sometimes humorous struggles of prison. More posts in my “Day To Day” category. For despite the stigmas, and public misconceptions, the average prisoner is a good person who made a mistake. We are all just one mistake from prison. That is all that separates the prisoners from the guards. But the guards will never tell you that.

Of which, I want to make clear that you will never hear me again refer to the guards as a “Correctional Officer.” That would be a ludicrous assessment for the are doing the contrary. Now, for the prisoner, it is the absolute small things that matter the most. And today I was reminded of how much I miss the luxury of having my own bathroom. Do you know how nice it is to be able to use the bathroom when ever you want? Probably not, because you get to use it whenever you want. Very recently the BOP made several changes regarding trans-gender prisoners.

Many of which happen to be located at the prison I am at. And to each their own, prison is hard enough so I am sure they have some extra battles they are suffering from. However, it is difficult being located in the same small units with these prisoners. For instance, today I had to “drop a turd” like no other. So just as I approach the bathroom, someone makes it to the stall before me. There is one stall, and 4 urinals. As the individual sits to pee for ten minutes, I am using all of my strength to not drop the turd in the urinal.

It hurts man. Holding that in is not fun. So as he sat to pee, I was wasting in misery. Yet another struggle of prison life. I am not knocking what that individual does, for I would never be in the position to do so. This is America. Land of the free. You can do and be whatever you want. I just want to convey to you that I live in an absolute Paradox. You never know what you might see or what might enfold. I could go on and on, but as they called the controlled movement, and dozens of other prisoners flood the computer lounge, it is my time to go!

]]>http://bookerparadox.com/sits-pee-waste-misery-daily-prison-life/feed/014077Using An Iron To Make It Toasty!http://bookerparadox.com/using-iron-make-toasty/
http://bookerparadox.com/using-iron-make-toasty/#respondSat, 26 May 2018 21:15:15 +0000http://bookerparadox.com/?p=14074Who doesn't prefer their food hot or warm? Well, I guess it depends on the food. Nonetheless, there is one thing that unites just about every human being on Earth: a hefty and scrumptious burrito. Considering I have only two options for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the chow hall or the food out of my [...]

]]>Who doesn’t prefer their food hot or warm? Well, I guess it depends on the food. Nonetheless, there is one thing that unites just about every human being on Earth: a hefty and scrumptious burrito.

Considering I have only two options for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the chow hall or the food out of my locker, many times I choose the food out of my locker. But without any microwaves or other normal kitchen appliances, many of my peers and I have had to improvise. We needed to make our burritos warm and toasty!

Its an absolute necessity. Like I mentioned earlier, everyone prefers their food hot. Therefore, we have come up with the idea of using irons. That’s right! That iron you rarely, if ever use to press your clothes, that is our form of a grill. A hot iron source of greatness! All you need is some parchment paper, and some butter.

And you are ready to go! Need to grill up some meat? No problem. Throw the meat in between the parchment paper, and press down on it with the iron. You’ll hear it sizzle, as the juices gloriously spatter about. From chicken, sausages and hamburgers, to tortillas and bagels, every time I see an iron, I know a toasty treat awaits.

You see, when you are sent to prison, you begin to appreciate all the small intricacies of daily life that many take for granted. You go out of your way and improvise to gain some of the comforts liberty presents us. Although I wouldn’t suggest that you use an iron to make toasty treats out in the real world, what am I to say? This is Booker’s Paradox!

]]>http://bookerparadox.com/using-iron-make-toasty/feed/014074The Killer China Man and His Cat Armyhttp://bookerparadox.com/killer-china-man-cat-army/
http://bookerparadox.com/killer-china-man-cat-army/#respondWed, 09 May 2018 22:59:17 +0000http://bookerparadox.com/?p=14069Every morning, as the sun begins to climb over the walls of USP Leavenworth, illuminating the desolate and despairing prison yard, an army of cats stand guard. Not all necessarily united either, for there is a lot of territorial claims and in-fighting between them. However, they are all loyal to their leader: the Killer China [...]

]]>Every morning, as the sun begins to climb over the walls of USP Leavenworth, illuminating the desolate and despairing prison yard, an army of cats stand guard. Not all necessarily united either, for there is a lot of territorial claims and in-fighting between them. However, they are all loyal to their leader: the Killer China Man.

A man who speaks very little English and lives a secluded life at Leavenworth. Rumor ahs it that he not only killed his entire family with a machete, but attempted to feed their diced up bodies to his cats before the authorities foiled his plan and put him under arrest. Well, as you can imagine, the Killer China Man was quite ecstatic to arrive at Leavenworth and discover the large population of cats that have been living their for nearly a century.

With that said, it goes without saying that these are not your ordinary house or farm cats. They are straight killers. There is a reason that birds are afraid to land on the prison grounds. Adapting to the harsh and cruel environment they have been brought up in since birth, they have fully assimilated into the prison culture. So it is wise advise not to mess with them.

Everyone seems to love these cats, even though the pungent smell of their urine dominates the nasal cavities of every being in the area. Look, you can’t even go outside without having the smell contaminate you. Forcing you to wash your clothes right way, just to escape the nasal torture. But that’s what you get when you have generations of cats, totaling in the tens of thousands over a century, urinating on every square inch of the prison.

Nonetheless, like I was saying, everyone still loves these cats. So much so, that back in the day, when the administration threatened to take all of the cats, the inmates threatened to kill one guard for every cat they removed. Moreover, they are so adored, that they all have names. From Buck-Meow, Tiger and Shank, to Simbah and Thor. Better yet, they all have their own little houses. All made of wood, with their own little garage and perched just three feet off the ground.

Like I mentioned earlier, these cats are extremely territorial and guard their houses with their life. Rarely leaving the area, unless they move in a group. It is so peculiar to watch. I mean, that is why this blog is entitled Booker Paradox, for my world is such. Now, although the inmates adore the cats, the cats do not adore most of the inmates. They do their best to stay out of the way and mind their own. Doing whatever cats do. The only person they get close to and trust, is the Killer China Man.

Every morning, right before the yard opens, the guards let him out to feed the cats. Sometimes he will bring out donated tuna and mackerel, but most of the time it is just regular cat food that the guards have purchased. Something I have witness for the first time when I was forced to go to medical after I got some rat shit in my eye (true story that I will tell another time), and as I was walking out of the medical building, I saw him approach one of the cat houses.

And there they were. Waiting patiently for their master, their leader to come out. As he filled up one of the bowls, at one of the houses, he perched down on the ground, and let the cats rub up against him and continued to pet them affectionately. Just seven more houses to go, I thought. This is a routine he repeats every night after dinner, so considering it caught my attention, I decided to look out for him in the evening.

Like clockwork, the Killer China Man came out and made his rounds. Feeding each and every cat, as well as proving them with some affection. All of which made me really curious. How can this man be so affectionate towards these cats, yet he decided to kill his entire family? Maybe this is a philosophical question just too far above my head. But I wanted to know! I am an extremely curious individual, and sometimes my curiosity will lead me astray.

Therefore, I decided that I had to befriend him. I mean, this man had to have some sort of compassion to come out here every single day and feed these cats. Does he regret killing his family? Maybe it would be a bad idea to approach him, bit I thought screw it, the man is almost sixty years old, I could probably take him on in a fight. But he is Chinese … I wonder if he knows karate?

He sure has aged really well. Look, I know those were absurd thoughts, but they were real. This is prison. You cannot under estimate anyone! After seeing a midget beat up a grown man (don’t forget to read that post), and a small 120lb dude knockout a giant, I feel like anything can happen. I already do a good job of staying vigilant and staying on top of the chaos, so I feel confident.

After a day of walking the track, I caught a glimpse of the Killer China Man walking with a tennis racket on his shoulder. How perfect, I thought. I love tennis, and that would be my opportunity to get to know this guy and break the ice. I say it that way, for you can’t just go up to people and ask them why they are here. That is almost a direct challenge, depending on the circumstances.

It would be different if he were my race, or from my state, but considering he didn’t fit the latter I had to slowly work the answer to my curiosities out of him. At the time, he was approaching one of the cat houses that was directly behind me. So I figured I would catch him right in between the track and the cat house, and challenge him to a game of tennis. For prison tennis is always interesting. Just as I started to approach him, we locked eyes. I clenched my fist, getting ready to give him a fist bump and he tenses up. I raise my arm, and ….

Say on the lookout next for “Part 2: China Man, Cat Army And A Tennis Game.” You won’t want to miss out. So if you haven’t done so already, don’t forget to join our Facebook group by clicking the Facebook icon at the top left hand side of the page, so you can get updates every time we release a new post. If you would like to ask for something from me directly, feel free to write me a letter at:

]]>http://bookerparadox.com/killer-china-man-cat-army/feed/014069Tech Founder Goes Back To Prison … To Deliver Powerful Messagehttp://bookerparadox.com/tech-founder-goes-back-prison-deliver-powerful-message/
http://bookerparadox.com/tech-founder-goes-back-prison-deliver-powerful-message/#respondTue, 08 May 2018 18:02:54 +0000http://bookerparadox.com/?p=14065Quite simply, Clarence Bethea is a remarkable guy! After the mostly inmate run re-entry committee sent Bethea an invitation to come down to speak to all of the inmates at FCI Sandstone, he didn't only respond with enthusiasm and passion, but brought that energy with him. As he walked into the prison chapel, which is [...]

Quite simply, Clarence Bethea is a remarkable guy! After the mostly inmate run re-entry committee sent Bethea an invitation to come down to speak to all of the inmates at FCI Sandstone, he didn’t only respond with enthusiasm and passion, but brought that energy with him.

As he walked into the prison chapel, which is quite immaculate I might add, with an open forty foot ceiling, stained glass windows, extravagant wood paneling, and a warm, inviting feel, Bethea was sporting a green “Beta.MN” t-shirt, a black jacket with “Tech Stars” emblazoned on the back, and blue jeans. After several short discussions with staff, and re-entry committee inmates, he took a seat.

Shortly after, Aaron Smith approached the podium and gave Bethea a warm and informative introduction. Which the crowd was quick to applaud to. Fast forward a few days later, where I found myself sitting with Smith, taking notes as he quickly rattled off his impression of the presentation. “Intentional, unapologetic, raw, passionate, authentic, and bold,” proclaimed Smith.

Smith continued, “These words describe the presentation that was passionately delivered on May 3rd, by entrepreneur Clarence Bethea.” Founder and CEO of Minneapolis’ Upsie – an insuretech venture started in 2015 with eight full time employees and a few million of venture capital funding behind it. “I mean, here is a man who has crushed poverty, overcame hopelessness, and survived jail to create a thriving tech company,” said Smith.

Smith, who has been located at FCI Sandstone for nearly nine years, said he has attended several presentations by individuals from free society, but never left feeling so invigorated and refueled as he did from Bethea’s presentation. Especially after this long stint of incarceration. Smith initially read about Bethea in a Pittsburgh newspaper, and considering he was a member of the re-entry committee at Sandstone, he thought it would be a great idea to send him an invitation.

Surprisingly, Bethea quickly accepted the offer from the re-entry coordinator. And “since his interaction with us, the compound has been buzzing with hope, and has allowed us to conceive that we too can beat the odds,” said Smith. Who went on to mention that the two topics that resonated with him the most were being bold, and having the confidence to reposition himself with new people, placed and things.

Smith recalled during our interview that he once heard T.D. Jakes say, “He who gets out of prison only to return to his old environment is setting himself up for incarceration, you must escape the environment and begin anew.” Which reminded Smith of how Bethea spoke extensively about those kind of choices. “After the presentation, I went back to the housing unit, and watched how men from all backgrounds huddled to discuss his talking points,” said Smith.

Smith made it clear that these men had just been exposed to the possibilities of positive change. That although there have been similar speakers in the past, Smith felt that Bethea was not only relatable, but made it feel as if he was starring into the mirror. “I can easily see myself walking the yard, and trading aspirations upon our release with him. That’s the connection we were seeking,” said Smith. “His story was our story, and now we had a frame of reference of a man who escaped the circumstances that stifles so many men and women of our community.”

I couldn’t agree any more with what Smith touched upon, but lets take you back to the day of Bethea’s presentation for some further analysis. You see, Bethea started off by giving us his background. His story of redemption, of conquering adversity, and the power of four central tenants he frequently reiterated: Work Hard, Dream Big, Stay Humble and Help Others.

Look, Bethea conquered the difficult hand he was dealt in life. But he didn’t want to focus too heavy on his own accomplishments, going as far to say, “I am only here to inspire, and hope that others do better than me.” He told us to dream big, to stop aiming for mediocrity, and that being humble is the greatest trait you can have.

However, it is his background that most of the crowd found solace in. Despite being raised in poverty, surrounded by violence, and experiencing a trip to prison, he became very successful. So after his speech, he devoted two hours to answering questions. Any and all questions. There was a common theme among them all. Everyone was wanting to know EXACTLY how he did it. Under the assumption that there was some magical formula.

“Look, its all about choices. Everything is a choice. If you want to be noticed, you first have to serve,” said Bethea. There is no magical formula he proclaimed. Everyone’s path is different. But by working hard, being honest, and earning people’s good will, doors will open. “Going out and doing good will for other people will get those striped off the table,” proclaimed Bethea.

Throughout his presentation and Q&A session, you could see all of these values explode through his aurora. He was genuine, and you could easily tell that he had a general concern for everyone in the audience. So much so, that he finished by giving everyone a hug, and committing to come back. To start an entrepreneur program with his investor buddies, and mentor some of the guys. That was special! When I walked back to my unit, Betheas words reverberated in my head, “You can do anything you want to, so long as you are honest and a good person.”

]]>http://bookerparadox.com/tech-founder-goes-back-prison-deliver-powerful-message/feed/014065CorrLinks Hot 100 (Hip-Hop), May 2018http://bookerparadox.com/corrlinks-hot-100-hip-hop-may-2018/
http://bookerparadox.com/corrlinks-hot-100-hip-hop-may-2018/#respondFri, 04 May 2018 02:45:19 +0000http://bookerparadox.com/?p=14062Hello Paradoxians! I am proudly presenting the CorrLinks Hot 100 (Hip-Hop) for May! So for those of you who are new to the CorrLinks Hot 100, is is a list of the trending and most sold singles within the federal prison system. These songs represent the hottest tracks people are currently talking about. A new [...]

]]>Hello Paradoxians! I am proudly presenting the CorrLinks Hot 100 (Hip-Hop) for May! So for those of you who are new to the CorrLinks Hot 100, is is a list of the trending and most sold singles within the federal prison system. These songs represent the hottest tracks people are currently talking about. A new list is published every month. So without further ado, lets dive right in!

]]>http://bookerparadox.com/corrlinks-hot-100-hip-hop-may-2018/feed/014062Q&A With A Prisonerhttp://bookerparadox.com/qa-with-a-prisoner/
http://bookerparadox.com/qa-with-a-prisoner/#respondTue, 01 May 2018 16:50:02 +0000http://bookerparadox.com/?p=14059Hello Paradoxians! The name I have given to all of my readers here at BookerParadox.Com. I wanted to do something fun and innovative. At least innovative for you and I. A way for me to meet some of my readers and encourage more engagement. Considering my subsequent change of address, one of my favorite punch [...]

]]>Hello Paradoxians! The name I have given to all of my readers here at BookerParadox.Com. I wanted to do something fun and innovative. At least innovative for you and I. A way for me to meet some of my readers and encourage more engagement. Considering my subsequent change of address, one of my favorite punch lines to describe my imprisonment, I cannot engage how I would like to here on the site or on social media. So this is what I have come up with. Here is what I want you to do:

1) Write or type a letter with all of your questions, or even just a kind remark or constructive feedback. I will happily accept hate mail as well!

I know, this is something we aren’t use to with the advancements of global communications and the internet, but I am practically stuck in the 1970’s here. In fact, I’m using a typewriter right now to make the first draft of this post. It is funny really. For instance, the spell check function on this typewriter consists of making a noise after every spelling error. It doesn’t fix it or offer a correction, all you hear is an annoying beep. Well, every time I type the word ‘internet’ it beeps!

Something I find extremely hilarious. Moreover, I plan on publicly responding to all of the letters right here on BookerParadox.Com, and upon request, or if you have a great letter, I will respond with a letter as well. Please let me know if you would like me to address you using an alias, for I will protect your identity if need be. Does it get better than that? For all of the individuals out there who are curious about what it is like in here, do not hold back. There is no question I will not answer. Include post ideas that you would like me to write about, or anything else you so desire. Well, that is is Paradoxians! I look forward to communicating with you in the near future!

]]>http://bookerparadox.com/qa-with-a-prisoner/feed/014059Federal Prison Happy Mealhttp://bookerparadox.com/federal-prison-happy-meal/
http://bookerparadox.com/federal-prison-happy-meal/#respondTue, 01 May 2018 15:01:04 +0000http://bookerparadox.com/?p=14054Did my title surprise you? That the coveted McDonalds Happy Meal has infiltrated the federal prison system? Well, not quite. But we have something that we consider a good equivalent. Look, when you live in such a desperate and hopeless environment, you need something to look forward to. As I have mentioned a few dozen [...]

]]>Did my title surprise you? That the coveted McDonalds Happy Meal has infiltrated the federal prison system? Well, not quite. But we have something that we consider a good equivalent. Look, when you live in such a desperate and hopeless environment, you need something to look forward to. As I have mentioned a few dozen times, living in prison is like living the same day over and over again. Holidays have no significant meaning, the people around you never change, and it is the same dreary vibe day in and day out.

A vibe I am constantly trying to combat. The meals are the same way. Everything is scheduled out, so you know exactly what you are going to eat for lunch months even years in advance. Sound good? Hell no, yet another prime example of why you should try to avoid the penal system at all costs! Moreover, every federal prison is setup like this, so no matter where you are located throughout the United States you know that on Tuesdays we have chicken patties, on Fridays fish, and on Wednesdays … its hamburgers and french fries. Or what I like to call the “Federal Prison Happy Meal.”

The only thing that differs from prison to prison is the quality of the food. The Happy Meal especially. In fact, you can almost judge the whole entire food service department of a compound based on this alone. After transferring from USP Leavenworth in Kansas to FCI Sandstone in Minnesota, there was quite the upgrade in Happy Meal quality. Huge difference in fact. All bullshit aside, it is restaurant quality food, while Leavenworth has the classic slop you would expect to find in such an environment.

Really, besides phone calls with family, visits and the like, I live for the Happy Meal on Wednesdays. It is the only taste of freedom I can get. From the fried onion rings, to the jalapeno and cheese stuffed hamburgers that just burst in flavor, you can’t help but experience some joy from it all. Oh, and I almost forgot, the deserts on these days are just as delectable. From the key lime and apple pie, to chocolate bars and birthday cake, it is a sugar rash that anyone can enjoy.

However, while there are days where I am so busy that my mind isn’t able to drift off and I can actually enjoy the burgers, there are other days where I just look down at the food and think, “Damn, this is what my life has come to?” A thought I try to terminate at once, for once those negative thoughts begin, it can almost consume you. Maybe you can relate to this, no matter what conditions you are living in. Our thoughts are incredibly powerful, and when directed intentionally, you can live a really positive and successful life.

But we are all human and no one is perfect. We all have these insecurities. Yet another reason why I try to broadcast my current conditions, for it is when we are experiencing the bad times that we need to be truly grateful. We will never grow when times are good and we are comfortable, only when times are bad and we are uncomfortable. That is when we grow the most. For me, when I am in a good state of mind, I will eat the hamburger and bask in all of its glory. And when times are bad, I look down, and am grateful that I even get to enjoy such a meal, while there are thousands of children starving every single day.

Do you like what you read here on this blog? Please let me know. Don’t hesitate to write me a letter anytime, for I will write back! If so, reach out to me at:

I am looking forward to hearing back from you and answering and and all of your questions! I will also post my response right here on BookerParadox.Com, so please let me know if you would like me to address you by an alias. What are you waiting for? I know, I know, it is snail mail. Worse yet, you may have never even written a letter before. But its never too late to try. Besides, after sending me a letter, you might as well send one to a family member or friend. Because it is such a rare gesture now a days, and they will be truly touched by such a letter. It will make their entire day. Type it up or handwrite it down, throw it in an envelope, and mail that sucker out! Just don’t forget the stamp.

]]>http://bookerparadox.com/federal-prison-happy-meal/feed/014054Corrlinks Hot 100 (Hip-Hop), April 2018http://bookerparadox.com/corrlinks-hot-100-hip-hop-april-2018/
http://bookerparadox.com/corrlinks-hot-100-hip-hop-april-2018/#respondSat, 31 Mar 2018 20:34:27 +0000http://bookerparadox.com/?p=14049The following tracks are the hottest hip-hop tracks currently being sold in the Bureau of Prisons. A new list is published at the beginning of every month. Based soley on singles sold. (#) (Track Title:) (Artist:) 1) I Get The Bag (feat. Migos) - Gucci Mane 2) One on One - Yo Gotti, YFN Lucci [...]